Isaac Pushes Plans Back a Day for GOP, CU Hosts

Now that Tropical Storm Isaac has merely grazed Tampa, Fla., and instead bears down on New Orleans, Republican National Convention organizers and credit union hosts are going ahead with the party.

Tropical Storm Isaac forced the GOP to cut short its plans for Monday. Republican Party officials will officially convene the convention but will then immediately recess the proceedings until Tuesday afternoon.

The storm has hindered travel plans for many, including Vice President Nominee Paul Ryan, who won’t depart from his native Wisconsin until Tuesday.

The story won’t affect credit union events associated with the RNC. CUNA said Monday it will proceed with its sponsored and hosted events, including a “watch party” Monday evening and a reception for delegates Wednesday evening.

The $1.5 billion, Tampa-based GTE Financial will host the Wednesday night delegate event, to which 200 guests have already returned RSVPs, said Richard Gose, CUNA senior vice president of political affairs.

Any delegate is welcome to attend the event to learn more about credit unions, and in addition, CUNA and its leagues are expecting a mix of state and federal legislators, local officials, credit union dignitaries and playground leave-behind project volunteers, the trade association said.

Sponsors include the League of Southeast Credit Unions, Michigan Credit Union League, Mountain West Credit Union Association, North Carolina Credit Union League, California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, as well as CUNA Mutual and CUNA. –handerson@cutimes.com